“Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.”
(Nehemiah 9:38 ESV)
Consider what Charles H. Spurgeon wrote regarding renewal of covenants:
“There are many occasions in our experience when we may very rightly, and with benefit, renew our covenant with God. After recovery from sickness when, like Hezekiah, we have had a new term of years added to our life, we may fitly do it. After any deliverance from trouble, when our joys bud forth anew, let us again visit the foot of the cross, and renew our consecration. Especially, let us do this after any sin which has grieved the Holy Spirit, or brought dishonour upon the cause of God; let us then look to that blood which can make us whiter than snow, and again offer ourselves unto the Lord. We should not only let our troubles confirm our dedication to God, but our prosperity should do the same.
Now here’s the English definition of covenant for us to explore
COVENANT, n. [L, to come; a coming together; a meeting or agreement of minds.]
1. A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. A covenant is created by deed in writing, sealed and executed; or it may be implied in the contract.
2. A writing containing the terms of agreement or contract between parties; or the clause of agreement in a deed containing the covenant.
3. In theology, the covenant of works, is that implied in the commands, prohibitions, and promises of God; the promise of God to man, that mans perfect obedience should entitle him to happiness. This do, and live; that do, and die. The covenant of redemption, is the mutual agreement between the Father and Son, respecting the redemption of sinners by Christ. The covenant of grace, is that by which God engages to bestow salvation on man, upon the condition that man shall believe in Christ and yield obedience to the terms of the gospel.
4. In church affairs, a solemn agreement between the members of a church, that they will walk together according to the precepts of the gospel, in brotherly affection. To enter into a formal agreement; to stipulate; to bind ones self by contract. A covenants with B to convey to him a certain estate. When the terms are expressed ti has for before the thing or price. They covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Mat 26. To grant or promise by covenant.
Let’s return to one key portion of the definition: “The covenant of grace, is that by which God engages to bestow salvation on man, upon the condition that man shall believe in Christ and yield obedience to the terms of the gospel.” Herein is the entire covenant: belief, and obedience to the terms of the gospel. What does it mean to believe? What are the terms of the gospel? We must now define belief. And it seems reasonable to also speak of faith, for they do not necessarily mean the same thing. Then we can discuss what we consider the Gospel.
You see, don’t you, that we begin with a scripture about covenant. From there we consider its application in the relationship of G-d to humans before the advent of our Lord and Messiah Y’shuaJesus. Then we consider what G-d did to fulfill that covenant, and write a new covenant for us based upon the this Good News that Y’shuaJesus preached. To fully embrace this scripture and the commentary by Mr. Spurgeon, we define the term covenant, which leads us to further thinking and defining and study.
Today, if you hear His voice, the voice of our Lord Y’shuaJesus calling to our hearts, rejoice and renew your commitment to Him who gave Himself that we might have live, and have it abundantly.
Lord Bless, Keep, and Shine upon you and yours this new day in Messiah’s love.
JonahzSong 